Nursing Elites

1. A client with cancer is to undergo an intravenous pyelogram. The nurse should:

• A. Ensure adequate fluid intake 24 hours before the procedure
• B. Ask the client to void immediately before the study
• C. Administer medication that affects the central nervous system as prescribed
• D. Position the client appropriately for the procedure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ask the client to void immediately before the study. For an intravenous pyelogram, the client may have orders for laxatives or enemas, so ensuring the client voids before the test is important to prevent obscuring visualization of the kidney, ureters, and bladder. Choice A is incorrect because there is no need to force fluids before the procedure. Choice C is incorrect as medications affecting the central nervous system should not be held unless specified by the healthcare provider. Choice D is incorrect as covering the reproductive organs with an x-ray shield is not necessary for an intravenous pyelogram.

2. In the United States, several definitions of death are currently being used. The definition that uses apnea testing and pupillary responses to light is termed:

• A. whole brain death.
• B. heart-lung death.
• C. circulatory death.
• D. higher brain death.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'whole brain death.' Most protocols for determining whole brain death require two separate clinical examinations, including the induction of painful stimuli, pupillary responses to light, oculovestibular testing, and apnea testing. This comprehensive approach ensures that all functions of the brain, including the brainstem, are evaluated to confirm the absence of brain function. Choices B and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific tests required for determining whole brain death. Choice C, 'circulatory death,' does not involve the evaluation of brain function and is not a current definition of death in the United States.

3. During the work phase of the nurse-client relationship, the client says to her primary nurse, "You think that I could walk if I wanted to, don't you?"? What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. "Yes, if you really wanted to, you could."?
• B. "Tell me why you're concerned about what I think."?
• C. "Do you think you could walk if you wanted to?"?
• D. "I think you're unable to walk now, whatever the cause."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: This response answers the question honestly and nonjudgmentally and helps to preserve the client's self-esteem. The nurse acknowledges the client's current inability to walk without attributing it to the client's desire. Choice A provides a positive but unrealistic statement that may diminish the client's self-esteem by implying a lack of effort. Choice B deflects the client's question and does not address the underlying concern. Choice C may increase the client's anxiety by suggesting unresolved psychological conflicts related to walking.

4. A 57-year-old woman is recently widowed. She states, 'I will never be able to learn how to manage the finances. My husband did all of that.' Select the nurse's response that could help raise the client's self-esteem.

• A. "You feel inadequate because you have never learned to balance a checkbook."?
• B. "You should have insisted your husband teach you about the finances."?
• C. "You are strong and will learn how to manage your finances after a while."?
• D. "Why don't you take a class in basic finance from the local college?"?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse can raise the client's self-esteem by acknowledging the client's feelings and providing positive reinforcement. Choice C shows empathy and support by recognizing the client's strength and potential to learn. This response encourages the client to believe in her abilities and instills confidence. Choices A and B may come across as judgmental or critical, which can further lower the client's self-esteem. Choice D, while offering a solution, does not address the client's emotional needs or provide direct reassurance about her capabilities.

5. James returns home from school angry and upset because his teacher gave him a low grade on an assignment. After returning home from school, he kicks the dog. This coping mechanism is known as:

• A. denial
• B. suppression
• C. displacement
• D. fantasy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'displacement.' Displacement is a defense mechanism where emotions or impulses are transferred from their original source to a substitute target. In this scenario, James is displacing his anger from his teacher onto the dog. Choice A, 'denial,' involves refusing to acknowledge an unpleasant reality. Choice B, 'suppression,' is the conscious effort to push unwanted thoughts out of awareness. Choice D, 'fantasy,' refers to imagining scenarios that fulfill one's desires but are not based in reality.

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